GYOUZAN 暁山 – 1st Generation (Nakano Yukizō 中野行蔵)
Tokoname 常滑 – Rectangular Unglazed Bonsai Pot (長方形 無釉)
Product Details: Not for Sale hosting my Juniper.
Region: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture 常滑市
Kiln: Gyouzan Kiln 暁山窯
Potter: 1st Generation Gyouzan – Nakano Yukizō (中野行蔵)
Description
A vintage, artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by the 1st generation Gyouzan, produced in Tokoname during the formative years of modern bonsai ceramics. Although rectangular in plan (長方形), the pot subtly follows a bag-style or fukuro-gata (袋形) influence, with softly rounded walls and gentle transitions that lend warmth and visual balance.
The pot features a pronounced internal rim (uchikomi-buchi 内縁), creating a strong sense of structure and framing the planting area beautifully. The body is formed from a richly grogged Tokoname clay (sōdo tsuchi 粗土), displaying a subdued iron-brown tone with natural speckling. Over decades, the surface has developed an exceptional patina (keika no atsumi 経過の味), enhancing depth and character without artificial treatment.
The feet are particularly noteworthy: stepped, rounded corner feet (dan-ashi 段足) with softened edges, carefully integrated into the base and showing confident hand-finishing. These feet elevate the pot while maintaining stability and a grounded presence, a hallmark of early Tokoname craftsmanship. The underside bears the impressed square seal of Gyouzan, clearly legible and well-preserved.
Drainage and wiring functionality is excellent, with two large drainage holes (haisui-ana 排水穴) and four smaller wiring holes (hari-ana 針穴), making this pot both highly practical and suitable for refined display.
External Dimensions
14.9 × 10.4 × 5.4 cm
Internal Dimensions
13.0 × 8.5 × 3.5 cm
Condition
Excellent condition. No cracks, repairs, or structural issues. Natural kiln and age-related surface variations only, consistent with authentic vintage Tokoname ware.
Additional Information
Free UK Mainland shipping included.
Please examine the feet closely, as their form and finish are a defining aesthetic feature of this piece.
